Latest property news
Read the latest property news from all around the world from our expert writers located all over the world. Get the latest on buying, travel, emigration, retirement and much more. Whether you are buying a sunny property to spend your summers, or making a big move abroad you will find everything you need to know here.
Portuguese government plans to scrap the Non-Habitual Residency scheme
The non-habitual residency scheme is a popular residency option for those wishing to live in Portugal. It allows international residents an opportunity to pay a lower, flat tax rate on their Portuguese income and no tax on foreign income, including pensions.Read more...
Enjoy delicious cuisine in Cyprus
Having lived in Cyprus now for just over 25 years I can honestly say that the food is unlikely to disappoint you! It’s as if the Cypriots have an ingrained creative flair and a knack for flavours that they are always proud to display. You will always find that Cypriot food is freshly cooked, oozing temptation, and beckoning you to eat it. And that’s before you get to the mouthwatering desserts!Read more...
Australian property stabilises as market becomes more affordable
While Australia’s economy is strong and stable, throughout 2018 we watched on as Australian property prices fell for twelve months in a row. While these price drops are some of the most significant Australia has experienced since the Eighties, it’s important to remember that they followed a period of extraordinarily rapid growth. Market conditions were tricky for buyers in Australia in 2018. Tighter lending restrictions imposed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and Royal Commission recommendations made banks more cautious with lending than usual. Consequently, house auction priRead more...
How to find a tradesperson in Australia
Even the hardiest of DIY enthusiasts will probably need to call in a tradesperson at some time – and a good one is worth their weight in gold. You’ll often find yourself with new challenges in Australia, from how to maintain your pool through to looking after your garden in the Aussie climate. So, here’s how to find a tradesperson in Australia you can trust.Read more...
Buying in Italy, Part Five: Making an Offer
We’re now onto Part Five of our six-part Guide to Buying in Italy, and that means one of the most exciting steps – putting in an offer. You’ve narrowed down your options to your perfect property and you know how you’re going to pay for it, but you need to make sure you’re up on your negotiating skills if you want it go smoothly from here on. Find out how with these seven top tips for making an offer on a house in Italy.Read more...
Free homes! Why a Spanish property will save you money
As they say in Europe these days, you can’t have your cake and eat it. Or can you? Buy a home in Spain and your money will be safe in bricks and mortar earning you capital growth or rental while you’re enjoying “free” holidays. Here are a few more ways your Spanish home will be paying for itself while you’re enjoying it.Read more...
What is Spanish healthcare like?
We are often asked about state Spanish healthcare. Is it any good? Are there long waiting lists? What if I don’t speak Spanish? Are the doctors and nurses helpful? What about serious operations? Well, let me put your minds at rest by telling you that Bloomberg’s latest report on world healthcare places Spain at No 3 for efficiency of patient care and 8th of 195 countries for patient care. That’s above France at no 88 and the UK at no 30. Statistics are all well and good but what is the health service in Spain really like? I have lived 12 years in Catalonia and unfortunately have had to call upRead more...
News update: Spain to protect expat voting rights
As we approach the end of 2018, two subjects remain firmly in the news as they did back in January: Brexit and Catalonia. However, there is good news. No matter what happens with Brexit, Spain and the UK have agreed to pass a law protecting expats’ voting rights in Spain and the UK. Plus, there’s lots of exciting developments on the horizon, including a €27 million investment not far from our office in Mijas. Good news too for drivers: motorway toll cuts!Read more...
What we’ve loved about life in Greece in 2018
Sometimes when it seems that most of the world is in turbulence of one kind or another it feels as if Greece is still trundling on regardless – possibly this is because life in Greece has always been somewhat chaotic! Here’s what we’ve loved about life in Greece in 2018, and what’s coming up in 2019.Read more...
Buying in Italy, Part Four: How To Buy
In Part Four of Buying in Italy, we’re looking at how to buy in Italy. You’ll find out the key players to involve, plus what to consider on the financial side. This can seem complicated, but, with a clear understanding of the process in your head, it should all go smoothly.Read more...
Five ways your life in Portugal will be better
Are you contemplating your future life in Portugal and wondering what to expect? If so, this article will give you plenty of reasons to be cheerful. It looks at five ways in which life is almost certainly better in Portugal, compared to back “home.”Read more...